Does anyone have any great interviewing techniques?

Question

When I have an interview I get extremely nervous and my speach gets slurred, I also get a mental block and forget everything, therefore causing me to draw a complete blank during the interview. I need some great interviewing techniques. I have an interview coming up that pays double of what I make now and I really want to get the job. I however do not want to get nervous and I also do not want to lack confidence. What are the things I can do to impress and get the job. Please help me, I really want the job!!!!

Answer 1

I am in a management position that requires me to conduct second level interviews. Don't worry...from my vantage point, the people conducting interviews understand that you are going to be nervous. Its part of the game and most people conducting an interview look a little deeper than that. Its expected that you will worry.

Here's some tips...

-Get a good night's sleep before your interview.
-Wake up in time to give yourself a chance to relax, sit at your table, look out the window, and have a nice breakfast.
-Prepare for your interview ahead of time. Rehearse your backround out loud to yourself or a friend. Have your friend ask you some mock interview questions, so you can sound comfortable answering them.
-Have all of your materials with you in a binder. Neatness counts. Have a clean copy of your updated resume and be prepared to answer questions about it.
-Most employers will ask you why you want to leave your current position. Have an answer ready that does not make it sound like you are complaining about your current job and especially the management. Use words like "looking for new opportunities", "want a position that can provide growth", etc.
-Your character is also important to an interviewer. Be humble, but speak up, clearly and concisely. Don't bad-mouth former employees, job, or management. Play up that you are an honest person, creative, have initiative, punctual, etc.

Good luck, I'm sure that you will do just fine. Try not to think that you've always been nervous, so you always will be. That's not the case. Self-confidence and a firm hand-shake!!!!

Answer 2

1. Remember that the interviewer is human, too. Don't think of him as a superior but as an equal.

2. You have to make a good first impression. Make yourself look professional and have your resume and portfolio and anything else you need perfectly prepared. Arrive 15 minutes early because there is a possibility that they may want you to do something like fill out an application before the interview. Remember that your first impression starts affecting you the moment that you pull into the parking lot of your interview site. Be friendly to the receptionist because there is a chance that they may be the one interviewing you. When you reach the receptionist, greet him/her, state your name, state your association, and state your purpose. For example, "Hello, my name is Oscar Martinez, from the Internship Project. I have a 3 o'clock appointment with Ms. Rapp in the Water Division."

3. Have a firm, strong handshake with eye contact. This is probably the only physical contact you'll have with the interviewer so this is the easiest time for the interviewer to sense whether you are confident enough. Try faking confidence if you absolutely have to.

4. Have eye contact during the entire interview. If you get too nervous looking the interviewer straight in the eyes, try looking right in between the eyes, right above the eyes, or right below the eyes. Chances are s/he won't even notice.

5. Be sure to have a positive disposition and to smile. Show the interviewer that you want to be there and that you know you can do the job well but don't fake the smile too much and end up having a creepy grin the entire interview. Be as sincere as possible.

6. Be aware that there may be more than one interviewer. Make sure that each one gets an equal amount of attention (with eye contact) and that each one recieves a copy of your resume.

7. Instead of blowing your interview by drawing a blank with every question, prepare for it. Memorize your greatest achievements and experiences. Gather some common questions that the interviewer may ask and practice them in front of the mirror or ask some one to read them to you and then answer them. Create a "one-minute commercial" where you give an overview of what you want to apply for, what are your qualifications, and why they should hire. Practice it (but don't memorize word for word and recite it to him/her because that will make it sound fake).

8. Type up at least three questions that you want to ask the interviewer (and try to make it something that you can't get from the company's website).

9. Be polite. Always wait until the interviewer offers you a seat before actually sitting down.

10. Take notes during the interview. And be sure to research the company before the interview. It'll show how much you're interested in the job.

11. Don't fidget during the interview and make sure your sitting postion is comfortable but not vulgar. Don't slouch and don't cross your legs or leave them wide open.

12. Don't try doing something out of the ordinary because it may throw you off. For example, if you don't usually eat breakfast and you feel fine without it, than eating it on the day of the interview may make you feel sick. The same goes for your sleeping schedule.

Last but not least, take a deep breath and just relax.
Well, I hope this helps and good luck on your interview!

Answer 3

I have the same problem as you. I've done great on some interviews, but that's because I really prepared for it. The company just chose another person because they said he/she had an internship related to the position, but I was confident that the interview went well. I did poorly at this interview I went to on Friday though, but the whole company was a joke, so I didn't care. I made it apparent on my resume and cover letter that I'm entry-level and they basically wanted someone to run their whole advertising and marketing for the company for **** pay. I don't think so! lol

Anyhoot, here are some things that help...

1. Go online and find a list of basic questions that are asked during interviews (the ones such as "What is your greatest weakness?") then write out your answers. Answer all the questions you can and go over them a gazzillion times before the interview. It'll help you be more confident during the interview.

2. Ask questions! I usually just ask things like "What are you looking for in the person you hire for this position?" I never ask about benefits or anything, but some people might.

3. Don't talk bad about ex-employers no matter what. I made this mistake a few times, but not recently... just for jobs I applied for during college and high school sometimes.

4. Don't talk about your previous interviews. lol That's my worst mistake... when I get nervous, I tend to just jabber, but now I'm more aware of it and know to shut my trap. :-p


Anyhoot, writing down the questions and answers should really help you a ton. Also, dress nice and send a thank you letter after the interview.

Answer 4

best way not to get nervous is to practice things like public speaking e.g. with acting group or similar. It's clearly too late for you to do that now, but it may be something for future consideration. Some meditation/relaxation techniques also will be something to add in the future to your skills for such situations.

While on the interview, try to forget how badly you want the job. Try to concentrate on the issues currently asked and try not to think any thoughts about the possible outcome. Try to focus very much on the person and on the question. Make sure you are very well informed about the company, show that you are interested in the job by being knowledgeable about job and company (don't come over as a show-off though). If you draw a blank during the interview say so, and even tell them that being in an interview situation is not something you shine in - unless your new job involves a lot of representation of the company and public speaking that shouldn't hurt, but sounds you wouldn't/shouldn't apply for such a job anyway.

Answer 5

Of course you're nervous in an interview. Its normal. Interviewers are also nervous. The key is to focus on finding out as much about the job as you can. Find out as much as you can about the company before the interview. When you get to the interview just try to relax. Answer the questions the interviewer asks but be brief. Don't go on and on. Practice telling your life story (or work life story) in less than a minute. End with some reasons you were attracted to the company based on your experiences, knowledge and education (or whatever). Not the salary. Be courteous but you don't have to be overly gratious. (No butt kissing). Don't ask about salary unless they're offering you the job. Talk around it but don't bring up any numbers yet. If they offer you the job and you don't like the salary you can turn it down then.

It really helps if you can get interviews at other places just to get the practice. Get some of your relatives or friends to do some role playing with you too. Go to some places that you really don't want to work and get an interview if possible. Its good practice.
Don't act desperate. If you get the job, good. If you don't it just means you're meant to get another, better one. Please don't act desperate because there is no reason for it. You have a job now and that means you're not desperate. You seem to be suffering from extreme stage fright. If it really bothers you get a life coach and work on that. I've even seen some stage fright(its really a short case of anxiety) medicine at the health food store in the homeopathic section. It can't hurt. Tell us when you get the job.

Answer 6

When asked if you can do the job say this
I do not know if I can or not but I am willing to try
This is an honest answer

1. Enthusiasm. Leave no doubt as to your level of interest in the job. You may think it’s unnecessary to do this, but employers often choose the more enthusiastic candidate in the case of a two-way tie. Besides, it’s best to keep your options open -- wouldn’t you rather be in a position to turn down an offer, than have a prospective job evaporate from your grasp by giving a lethargic interview?

2. Technical interest. Employers look for people who love what they do; people who get excited by the prospect of tearing into the nitty-gritty of the job.

3. Confidence. No one likes a braggart, but the candidate who’s sure of his or her abilities will almost certainly be more favorably received.

4. Intensity. The last thing you want to do is come across as “flat” in your interview. There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a laid-back person; but sleepwalkers rarely get hired.

Both for your sake and the employer’s, try not to leave an interview without exchanging fundamental information. The more you know about each other, the more potential you’ll have for establishing rapport, and making an informed decision.

The Short and Long of It
There are two ways to answer interview questions: the short version and the long version. When a question is open-ended, I always suggest to candidates that they say, “Let me give you the short version. If we need to explore some aspect of my answer more fully, I’d be happy to go into greater depth, and give you the long version.”

The reason you should respond this way is because it’s often difficult to know what type of answer each question will need. A question like, “What was your most difficult assignment?” might take anywhere from thirty seconds to thirty minutes to answer, depending on the detail you choose to give.

Therefore, you must always remember that the interviewer is the one who asked the question. So you should tailor your answer to what he or she needs to know, without a lot of extraneous rambling or superfluous explanation. Why waste time and create a negative impression by giving a sermon when a short prayer would do just fine?

Answer 7

I know completely how you feel. Its hard to not show that you are nervous. What I like to do is research the company's history/background. Get as much information about the company and if possible, the president or person interviewing you. When you are at your interview, make sure you give firm hand shakes and smile to everyone. Speak as clearly as you possibly can making sure to express yourself the way you really want to. Most people get nervous becuase they want to give such a good impression that they tend to not be themselves (myself included). Dont fake anything. If you are being asked a question that requires a good well thought answer, think about it before you say what you think. Make sure you dont use the typical mistakes; um, aaa, or drawe a blank. If you feel you arent sure what to say, instead of saying "um" say something else like well or even oh. Try to think of words now that can help you express yourself with ease. Remember also to joke around and laugh. Going on an interview doesnt mean to be stiff and serious all the time. Have fun with the person interviewing you. When I say joke around I dont mean tell jokes, I mean say comments here and there that "break the ice" you think you are on. Also remember too that your resume and cover letter say ALOT about you. The person interviewing you already knows your skills, they just want to see and hear it from you. It's not complicated hun. Just be confident. Before going in, drop a breath mint in your mouth so your breathe is fresh. Dont wear heavy cologne either. If your lips are chapped, wear some lip balm. Just pay alot of attention to the detail on your appearance. The first impression is very important, so make sure you look your very best. So I hope I was able to help you in some way. Think positive when you go. Walk in there like you already own the position. I know you will get it! Take care.

Answer 8

Arrive early and be confident!

Practice answering the general questions you will be asked with a friend before the interview. This will help with the mental blocks and nerves.

The best practice for an interview is to interview when you do not need a job. Seek out informational interviews.

Set a 1,2,3 second count to yourself before you answer any questions. This will help you to relax.

Record your voice when you practice so that you can hear yourself and work on not having slurred speech. Repeat tongue twisters.

Generate a list of questions to ask during interviews.

Research the company you are interviewing with and ask a question by referencing the source.

Best Wishes!!!

Answer 9

Don't think about it too much... it's just an interview. Think of it as having a conversation with a friend you would like to impress. You have to believe you are the best candidate for the position in order reflect the same... smile and greet everyone you come across, stay professional (no slang), know your resume... if you don't remember all that is there, chances are you would not know what to say at some point and finally try to have some samples of scenarios at your past job, i.e. problems that you solved, ideas you came up with, the way you handled a difficult situation and things of that nature. Think of favorite car for a minute, yeah I know it sounds crazy, but most guys like cars so do that and ask yourself... How would you describe the car? What emotions would you express while describing it? How hard would you try to convince the other person that this car is the best car ever? Do the same during the interview, but talk about you... convince them you are what they want.

Answer 10

pratcie, pratice, pratice. Read about the company, in your interview focus on what you can do for them, not the other way around. It is normal to be nervous, so pratice with friends - I know sounds silly, but it will help. While you drive answer interview questions out load - no will hear you except you and this will help make you more comofrotable with the actual process.

When speaking with the interview look them in the eye, keep you response short, but very concise and ask them questions.

"Tom, I saw that the company is beginning a new expansion in the xyz market, how will this expansion effect the companies ability to maintain its existing service contracts in its primary market place?"

"Your company has just been awarded a new manufacturing contract, how will the company retool its existing facility to accomendate this new contract?"

Read, practice and be self assured, don't BS the interview and try to get comfortable with them. "That a wonderful photo of __________, did you happen to take that?" Simple questions like this at the beginnig will set the tone and also make the interveiwer a little more comfortable as well. Don't get personal, if they ask a question that think is too personal, just say something like, "I am sorry that is a matter that should be discussed at another time, may we move on to issues related to the compnay and how I can best fill this postion." Don't stammer or stutter. speak clearly and slowly.

Best of luck.

MJ

Answer 11

Hi, you've got a good question, and I think you've received a lot of good answers so far. Most of my suggestions have already been mentioned by others, but I'll give them anyway.

Here are just basic things:

1. Be honest when answering the interviewer's questions. For example, if he / she asks if you've ever used a particular software program and you haven't, it's ok to say "No, I don't know that program, but I have used _______."

2. Dress appropriately--a clean, ironed suit and tie always works. No dandruff on the suit; shoes should be shined.

3. Be 15 minutes early. Make sure you know how to get to the place. Use a map search engine; maybe make a dry run the day before if you're not sure how to get there.

4. Try to research the company a little beforehand, so that you can ask some questions about what it's like to work there. If you get a chance, you might ask the interviewer, "What do you like the most about working here?"

For your nervousness, you might try practicing with a friend several days before the interview.

Take care of miscellaneous chores around the house, like getting groceries, several days before so that they're not on your mind the day of the interview.

The day of the interview, make sure you set your alarm to wake you up at the usual time, make sure you have a good breakfast and lunch (depending on when it is), and leave yourself enough time to get there.

Then, try to relax during interview.

When the interview is over, congratulations, you made it through!

If you get the job, great. But if you don't get the job, it doesn't mean you did a bad interviewing job, because all kinds of things can influence who gets the job. If you don't get it, don't worry; just keep looking. Eventually, you'll get to where you want to be.

Good luck!